The study was prepared by researchers from the School of Medicine's Office of Statewide Initiatives and the Center for Economic Development at the University of Nevada, Reno. The report provides new estimates of the employment and income impact of medical education, research undertaken by medical faculty and the School of Medicine's practice plans.

The economic impacts presented in this report are measured by multipliers using an input-output model and data from IMPLAN Group, LLC, a model that is widely used by economists and other academics in the United States. Employment, payroll and operating expenses data was supplied by the School of Medicine's budget office in January 2014.

Co-author John Packham, Ph.D. notes that: "The analysis contained in this report reveals that the jobs, payroll and expenditures made by the School of Medicine generate substantial benefits to the state's economy - contributions typically overlooked in public policy discussions of the role of medical education and training in Nevada."

A few of the many interesting findings presented in the report include:

In 2013, the University of Nevada School of Medicine (UNSOM) employed 1,873 Nevadans who earned a total of $109.2 million in payroll and benefits. In that same year, spending by UNSOM employees resulted in an estimated additional 946 jobs and $65.4 million in payroll and benefits in other businesses in Nevada.

Combined spending by the University of Nevada School of Medicine and its employees resulted in a total impact of $315.6 million in economic activity in Nevada. In other words, for every dollar spent by UNSOM on payroll, benefits, and operations, another $0.71 in economic activity was generated in other businesses across the state.

In southern Nevada, School of Medicine spending on payroll and benefits, as well as the School's operational expenditures on goods and services from other businesses in southern Nevada generated $143.3 million in total economic activity in southern Nevada. That is, for every dollar spent by UNSOM on payroll, benefits, and operations in southern Nevada, another $0.68 in economic activity was generated in southern Nevada in 2013.

Similarly, in northern Nevada, UNSOM spending on payroll and benefits, as well as the School's operational expenditures on goods and services from other businesses in northern Nevada generated $157.6 in total economic activity in northern Nevada. In other words, for every dollar spent by UNSOM on payroll, benefits, and operations in northern Nevada, another $0.59 in economic activity was generated in northern Nevada.

The study concludes that the University of Nevada School of Medicine has been responsible for substantial economic contributions in both northern and southern regions of Nevada. Co-author Tom Harris, Ph.D. adds: "As policymakers consider the medical education and health care priorities for Nevada, they should bear in mind the importance of the University of Nevada School of Medicine to the state's economy."

For additional information on this report and research undertaken by the Office of Statewide Initiatives at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, please contact Packham at (775) 784-1235 or visit Office of Statewide Initiatives.

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